DETROIT, July 17 -- About 100 officers of the troops engaged in the Spanish-American war gathered at the Masonic Temple at the opening convention of the Santiago de Cuba Society. The gathering was without enthusiasm or display of feeling of any nature until Gen. Shafter spoke. He reviewed, the position, of 21,000 Spanish troops outside the city, within easy marching distance of the scene of fighting. View Full Article in Timesmachine »

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A version of this archives appears in print on July 18, 1903, on Page 5 of the New York edition with the headline: WHEELER PRAISES SPANIARDS.; Pays Glowing Tribute to Defenders of Santiago When Shafter Speaks Slightingly of Them. Order Reprints|Today's Paper|Subscribe